Home / Crime and Justice / Community Spirit Shines After Devastating Memorial Vandalism
Community Spirit Shines After Devastating Memorial Vandalism
5 Jul
Summary
- Sentimental items, plaques, and a statue at a children's memorial garden were damaged or stolen.
- Over £1,000 in damages were caused, but the community swiftly offered support.
- The 'Forever and Always Garden' provides a safe space for grieving families.
Vandals have caused significant damage to the 'Forever and Always Garden' at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, destroying sentimental items, plaques, and a statue. The incident, which occurred between June 29 and June 30, also involved the theft of items from the garden's shed. This act has deeply affected families who rely on the garden as a peaceful sanctuary.
Jade Hoskin, who manages the garden, reported that items were thrown into a pond and road or broken, with a statue representing stillborn births and miscarriages beyond repair. The total damage exceeded £1,000. Despite the heartbreak, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Offers of support have poured in, with individuals and funeral directors stepping forward to replace items and re-engrave plaques. A significant fundraising effort has already replaced most of the stolen shed contents. Hoskin expressed immense gratitude for the community's generosity, highlighting their role in swiftly addressing the damage and restoring the garden's peaceful atmosphere.
